In a rematch of the 2021 Celebration Bowl, South Carolina State University will face Jackson State University for the Black College National Championship.

South Carolina State is making its second appearance in the game. The Bulldogs’ 9-2 overall record this season is their first winning season since 2021, when they won the Celebration Bowl with a 31-10 win over Jackson State. South Carolina State will represent the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, which is 6-2 in the Celebration Bowl. The team secured its spot by defeating Morgan State University 54-7 on November 16th.

Jackson State, which represents the Southwestern Athletic Conference, posted an 11-2 record overall this season. The Tigers secured their third Celebration Bowl berth in four years by defeating Southern University 41-13 in the SWAC championship game on Dec. 7.

This year’s game will be broadcast live on ABC from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday at noon EST. Here’s a look at both teams by the numbers.

South Carolina State University

– First-year coach Chennis Berry was named MEAC Coach of the Year for leading the Bulldogs back to the Celebration Bowl.

– South Carolina State, which finished the regular season ranked No. 18 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll, recorded its first nine-win season since 2013.

– The Bulldogs ranked first in the MEAC in total offense and scored the most touchdowns (49). The Bulldogs also average the most yards per game in the MEAC (426.5) and rank in the top 20 in the FCS in total offense.

– South Carolina State ranks eighth in the FCS in total defense, allowing 4.85 yards per play, and the Bulldogs rank 13th in the FCS in third-down conversion percentage defense.

– After going undefeated in MEAC play, the Bulldogs rank ninth in the FCS in winning percentage (.818) this season.

– Seventeen players on South Carolina State’s roster earned All-MEAC honors. Twelve made the All-MEAC First Team.

Players to watch

– Quarterback Eric Phoenix led the MEAC in passing yards (2,469) and touchdowns (20). On Tuesday, he was named MEAC Offensive Player of the Year.

– Wide receiver Caden High, an All-MEAC first-team selection, led the MEAC in receptions (58), receiving yards (892) and receiving touchdowns (seven).

– Offensive lineman Nick Taiste was named MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Year, helping the Bulldogs rush for 1,690 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Jackson State University

– Led by coach TC Taylor, Jackson State won its third SWAC title in four years.

— Jackson State is 0-2 in the Celebration Bowl after losing to South Carolina State in 2021 and North Carolina Central University in 2022.

– Jackson State finished the regular season ranked 15th in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll. After going undefeated in SWAC play, the Tigers rank second in the FCS in winning percentage (.846) this season.

– Jackson State is ranked in the top 10 in the FCS in both offense and defense. The Tigers rank fifth in the FCS in offense with an average of 37.1 points per game and 10th in defense with just 17.92 points per game. In the SWAC, the Tigers had the No. 1 offense and No. 2 defense.

– The Tigers rank 11th in the FCS in third-down conversion percentage defense. On offense, the Tigers rank fifth in the FCS in fourth down conversion percentage (.750).

– Jackson State led the conference with 11 players earning All-SWAC honors. Six made the All-SWAC First Team.

Players to watch

– Running back Irv Mulligan led the SWAC in rushing yards (1,174) and rushing yards per game (106.7). He is tied with Alcorn State’s Xzavier Vaughn for the most rushing touchdowns (11).

– Defensive back Ke’Vric Wiggins Jr., an All-SWAC first-team selection, ranks third in the SWAC in pass breakups (nine).

– Defensive lineman Joshua Nobles, an All-SWAC first-team selection, recorded 56 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.